Fillable Form Alabama Residential Lease Agreement

What is a Residential Lease Agreement?

A Residential Lease Agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of renting a property. The lease agreement typically includes details such as the rental amount, due date, security deposit, location of the property, personal details of the lessor and lessee, and length of the lease.

The lease agreement also outlines the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant. This may include anything from maintenance of the property for as long as the tenant is using it, to particular things that are and are not allowed on the property per the landlord’s instructions, as well as regulations or policies on the use of common areas in the property that will be shared with other tenants (if applicable), such as a garage, elevators, and lobby.

The agreement may be used for a wide variety of different properties, such as houses, condominiums, apartments, and the like. It can also be used for room rentals, though a different form may be used depending on what the lessor and the lessee need.

How do I fill out a Residential Lease Agreement?

You can find a fillable template of a Residential Lease Agreement here. While this template assumes that the lease agreement is based in the state of Alabama, depending on your needs, this template can be added to or otherwise modified to better suit the situation that you need.

Remember to read through all parts of the lease agreement, especially those that do not require you to enter information. This is crucial in ensuring that there are no problems with your lease, as well as so you are aware of your rights with regards to the lease agreement.

Lease Agreement Date

Enter the date that the least agreement was made.

Landlord Name

Enter the name of the landlord.

Tenant Name

Enter the name of the tenant.

Premises Location

Enter the county in the state of Alabama (or other state, if you change Alabama for another state), as well as the street address of the location being leased.

Term

Enter the amount of time in months or years that the lease agreement will remain valid, then enter the starting and ending dates of the agreement.

Rent

Enter the total amount that must be paid for rent, the date of each month by which installments of the rent should be paid, and how much each installment should be upon payment.

Damage Deposit

Enter the amount that will be given to the landlord to serve as the security or damage deposit for the duration of the lease.

Use of Premises

Enter the names of the people who will be occupying the premises.

Condition of Premises

This section states that the tenant has checked the premises and confirmed that they are in good condition.

Assignment and Sub-letting

This section states that the tenant will not assign or sub-let the premises without the express permission of the landlord.

Alterations and Improvements

This section states that the tenant will not make any changes to the premises without the express permission of the landlord.

Non-delivery of Possession

This section states the conditions and provisions for what will happen if possession of the premises is not delivered properly.

Hazardous Materials

This section states that tenants will not be allowed to keep hazardous and dangerous materials and objects within the premises.

Utilities

This section states that the tenant will be held responsible for arranging for and paying for all utility services required on the premises.

Maintenance and Repair; Rules

This section states that the tenant will keep up the maintenance and repair of the premises as necessary for the duration of the lease, as well as other various rules about what is and is not allowed on the premises.

Damage to Premises

This section outlines the terms and conditions that can be expected in the event of the premises becoming destroyed or damaged.

Inspection of Premises

This section states that the landlord and their agents have the right to inspect the premises at reasonable times for the duration of the lease.

Subordination of Lease

This section states that this lease will be subordinate, junior and inferior to any and all mortgages, liens, or encumbrances placed on the premises by the landlord.

Tenant’s Hold Over

Enter the amount that will be due per month as rent in the event that the lease ends and the landlord and tenant create a month-to-month arrangement.

Surrender of Premises

This section states that the tenant will surrender the premises in good condition and as they were at the beginning of the agreement.

Animals

Enter the number of domestic dogs, cats, or birds the tenant will be allowed to keep within the premises. Then enter the amount that must be paid to the landlord by the tenant as a pet deposit.

Quiet Enjoyment

This section states that the tenant may enjoy premises for the term of the lease for as long as all payable sums are paid.

Indemnification

This section states that the landlord cannot be held liable for damage or injury of the tenant or premises.

Default

This section outlines what will happen should the tenant default on their rent payments.

Late Charge

Enter the amount that must be paid as a late fee in the event that the tenant is late in making any particular payment or payments.

Abandonment

This section outlines what can be expected should the tenant abandon the premises during the term of the lease.

Attorneys’ Fees

This section states that, in the event that a legal case is raised for any dispute related to this agreement, the losing party will pay for the prevailing party’s attorney fees and court costs.

Recording of Agreement

This section states that the agreement should not be recorded in the records of any public office.

Governing Law

This section states that the agreement will be subject to the laws of the state that it is made in.

Severability

This section states that should any part of this agreement become invalid or impossible to enforce, that all other parts of the agreement will still be considered valid.

Binding Effect

This section states that all of the provisions included in this form will be considered binding on and inuring to the benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, and assigns of the parties hereto.

Descriptive Headings

This section states that all of the headings used in this form are for descriptive purposes only.

Construction

This section states that all pronouns used in this form will included any gender whenever applicable.

Non-Waiver

This section states that no indulgence, waiver, election, or non-election by landlord will affect the tenant’s duties and liabilities.

Modification

This section states that all parties involved with this agreement agree that this document contains the entire agreement between the parties, and will not be changed in any way.

Notice

This section states that any notice required or permitted under this lease or under state law will only be considered if sent through US certified mail, with return receipt requested, to the following.

Enter the following information for the landlord and the tenant:

• Landlord
  • Name
  • Address
  • E-mail Address
• Tenant
  • Name
  • Address
  • E-mail Address

Additional Provisions or Disclosures

Enter in the space provided any additional terms not already included above.

Signatures

Have the landlord and tenant sign the form in the space provided, then enter their names and the date that they signed the form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of a Security Deposit?

The security deposit serves as a pool of funds from which the landlord may pull to repair damages to the property. If there is anything left of the security deposit upon the termination of the lease agreement, that amount will be returned to the tenant.

Can a lease agreement be renewed?

Yes. Tenants may contact landlords when the end date of the lease agreement draws closer in order to renew the lease for an agreed upon amount of time.

Can the landlord increase rent during the term of the lease?

Yes. However, the landlord must provide prior notice to the tenant, and (whenever possible) provide an explanation as to why the rent must be increased.

Can the security deposit be used for unpaid rent?

Only if the landlord agrees to allow it.

Can the lease agreement be modified after signing?

Yes, so long as all parties involved agree to and are aware of the modifications being made.

Who is responsible for paying the property taxes?

This will generally be outlined in the lease agreement itself. For example, the landlord may choose to pay for the property taxes themselves, or they may include the property taxes in the monthly rent.

What are the things included in monthly rent?

This will depend on the agreement and the landlord, but monthly rent will generally pay for electricity, water, and other necessities associated with the maintenance and use of the premises.

Does a lease agreement need to be notarized?

No, but it is an option available to landlords and tenants should they wish to ensure that no fraud is occurring with the agreement.

Is a lease agreement legally binding?

Yes. Make sure to read and understand all parts of it to avoid any issues.

Is legal advice necessary for a lease agreement?

No. However, it may be beneficial to have a legal professional look over the agreement to ensure that all terms are fair and logical for both parties.

What is subletting?

Subletting refers to a tenant leasing the property they are themselves leasing to another person.

Can a lease agreement be signed electronically?

Yes, so long as both parties have a copy for their own personal use and consultation.

Can I assign a representative to sign the lease agreement on my behalf?

Yes, as long as you provide the representative with the necessary documents and any other evidence asked for by the landlord that are needed to prove that they are acting on your behalf.

If I am renting a property with one or more other people, can we split rent between ourselves?

Yes. Tenants may divide the amount of rent that needs to be paid amongst themselves to make it easier for each of them to pay rent (and for any other services) each month.

Is insurance available for damages to rental properties?

Yes, renter’s insurance is provided by some insurance companies for tenants who live in a rented dwelling.